Name: Luxurious Dubai Chocolate Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 7 ounces Kataifi pastry (or finely chopped toasted phyllo pastry or crushed cornflakes as substitutes); ⅓ cup unsalted Butter; 5.3 ounces White chocolate; 5.3 ounces Natural pistachio butter; 1 pinch Sea salt; 1.5 teaspoons Neutral vegetable oil (optional); 14.1 ounces Dark chocolate (55-65% cocoa, melted and tempered); 3 tablespoons Chopped toasted pistachios

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Introduction

Experience the rich flavors of Dubai with these luxurious Chocolate Balls, combining a crunchy kataifi base with creamy pistachio filling and a smooth dark chocolate coating. Perfect as an indulgent treat or an elegant dessert for guests.

Five round chocolate truffles sit closely together on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each truffle has two clear layers: the outer layer is a shiny dark brown chocolate coating topped with bits of bright green crushed pistachio, while the bottom half is wrapped in a nest-like layer of light golden brown crispy strands. The texture contrasts between the smooth chocolate and the delicate, crunchy strands create a rich, detailed look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Kataifi Base:

7 ounces kataifi pastry (or finely chopped toasted phyllo pastry or crushed cornflakes)
⅓ cup unsalted butter

For the Pistachio Filling:

5.3 ounces white chocolate
5.3 ounces natural pistachio butter
1 pinch sea salt
1.5 teaspoons neutral vegetable oil (optional)

For the Chocolate Coating:

14.1 ounces dark chocolate (55-65% cocoa), melted and tempered
3 tablespoons chopped toasted pistachios

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently separate the kataifi strands and coat evenly with melted butter.
Step 2: Spread the kataifi in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
Step 3: Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the natural pistachio butter and a pinch of sea salt until creamy. Add vegetable oil if needed to reach the right consistency.
Step 5: Finely chop the cooled kataifi and fold it into the pistachio mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Melt and temper the dark chocolate. Dip each chilled ball into the chocolate to coat fully, then sprinkle with chopped toasted pistachios.
Step 8: Allow the chocolate coating to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For an added crunch, toast the kataifi strands lightly before mixing them with butter.
Substitute white chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter filling.
Use high-quality pistachio butter or grind your own pistachios for the freshest flavor.
Tempering dark chocolate ensures a shiny finish and crisp snap; if you prefer, simply melt without tempering but expect a softer coating.
For a nut-free option, replace pistachio butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.

Storage

Store the chocolate balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the kataifi base and chocolate coating.

How to Serve

The image shows four round dessert balls on a white marbled surface. Each ball has three main layers: a green crumbly center, a smooth dark chocolate covering around the center, and a light brown crispy shredded outer layer. On top of each ball, there are small green nut pieces sprinkled as decoration. One ball is cut open, clearly showing the inside green crumbly layer surrounded by the dark chocolate, with the crispy shredded layer encasing the outside. The balls have a shiny, rich look with texture contrasts between the smooth chocolate and crunchy outer layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these chocolate balls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the chocolate coating firm up nicely.

What if I don’t have kataifi pastry?

You can use finely chopped toasted phyllo pastry or crushed cornflakes as a substitute to provide a similar crunch and texture in the base.